Executive Order No. 192 mandates the DENR to be the government agency primarily responsible for the country's environment and natural resources.

VISION

We envision a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and clean and healthy environment.

MISSION

Our mission is to mobilize our citizenry in protecting, conserving and managing the environment and natural resources.

CORE FUNCTION

DENR is tasked to formulate and implement policies, guidelines, rules and regulations relating to environmental management and pollution prevention and control.

We formulate, implement and supervise the government's policies, plans and programs pertaining to the management, conservation, development, use and replenishment of the country's natural resources and biological diversity.

Further, we promulgate and implement rules and regulations governing the exploration, development, extraction, disposition, and use of our forests, lands, minerals, wildlife and other natural resources.

MAJOR THRUSTS AND POLICIES

In the coming years, the DENR will strengthen its capacity to provide a better environment for the people..

The Department's thrusts and priorities are anchored on a 5-point agenda:

A substantial amount from in the coming years, the annual budget of DENR is used to support the upland development program using reforestation and agro-forestry as strategies for sustainable forest management, poverty alleviation and hunger mitigation.

DELINEATION OF FOREST BOUNDRY

As support to the upland development program, almost 22,000 kilometers of forest boundaries will be delineated starting 2009. This target is way higher than the DENR's 2008 target of 9,000 kilometers. At this accelerated pace, completion of nationwide forest boundary delineation is expected by 2011.LAND DISTRIBUTION AND CADASTRAL SURVEYcadastral_survey_urban2

Patent application is a mode of acquiring a parcel of alienable and disposable public land suitable for agricultural purposes. Cadastral survey is a necessary step towards ownership of a parcel of land. Surveys of municipalities are done to identify and delineate the individual claims of all land applicants; the surveys comprise a basis for the issuance of titles or patents, and for land registration and real property taxation. These will also establish correct disputed boundaries between municipalities and accurately fix land area for purposes of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) computation.

To further advance social equity in the next years, the distribution of 171,236 patents covering 143,350 hectares will be fast-tracked. Also underway is the completion of cadastral surveys in 38 more municipalities, which will bring the total number of municipalities with cadastral surveys to 951, or 59% of all municipalities..

SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mineral Resources DevelopmentZambales_illegal_mines2

Mineral lands administration is geared towards the revitalization of the minerals industry. The DENR ensures that more benefits from the mining sector actually go to the local communities. It manages the exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources through the issuance of mining rights and the conduct of compliance monitoring.

Reforms are instituted towards responsible and sustainable mining. Mining investment opportunities/projects are identified to accelerate the exploration and development of high-potential mining prospects. The 2009 targets are US$1.8 billion in new investments and US$4.5 billion in mineral exports.Abandoned/inactive mines are assessed and clean-up is implemented according to a rehabilitation plan. Also being implemented are remediation measures for areas with mine tailing incidents.mountain2Rehabilitation of the Bacagay mines in Samar will be pursued to showcase mine rehabilitation.Delineation of Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)Expected to be completed is the survey of the remaining 60,000 kilometers of the Philippines' extended continental shelf, for submission to the United Nations.This should give the country sovereignty over its extended continental shelf and open up huge potentials for the exploration and utilization of natural resources in the new frontier.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION

Panhulugan_Cave_rangerjpg2Biodiversity Conservation Program

The protection and conservation of the country's natural resources is a prime responsibility of DENR. It is spearheading the boundary demarcation of 10 legislated protected areas and is currently working on the establishment of a national research center on biodiversity as mandated by the Philippine Wildlife Act. The DENR continues to pursue conservation programs for endangered species and closely monitors wetlands for migratory birds that may be infected with the avian flu virus.

corals_pcra2A regular program of the DENR is the provision of technical assistance to the local government units (LGUs) on the management and protection of mangroves; establishment of marine sanctuaries; and assessment of coastal areas for investment.

Ecotourism Program

The DENR establishes and sustains multi-stakeholder partnerships in the development of areas for sustainable tourism. Community participation is encouraged in the protection and management of natural resources and due respect is accorded to culture, indigenous knowledge, and local customs.

It also assists the LGUs in 33 protected areas in the preparation of business plans for ecotourism.

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION MEASURES

Research and Development

Climate change is the priority subject of the DENR's research and development program. Special focus is given to sea level rise and vulnerability assessment of the country's various ecosystems and wildlife species.Geohazard_map_laguna2

The DENR continues to focus on reducing air pollution in Metro Manila and in the country's other major urban centers, in order to achieve better air quality by 2010. This has assumed greater importance because the elements of air pollution are also the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change.

Solid Waste Management

Another source of greenhouse gas is the methane emitted by garbage. To address pollution emanating from solid wastes, the DENR assists LGUs in the conversion of their open dumpsites into sanitary landfills and the establishment of materials recovery facilities.

Water Management

In years ahead, DENR will continue to improve water quality in priority rivers and water bodies. A comprehensive plan will be implemented to effect substantial improvement of water quality in rivers and other water bodies.

Manila Bay will be completely rid of all illegal fish pens, up to Bataan. More pressure will be placed on the water concessionaires in Metro Manila for them to accelerate their respective sewerage programs. These will solve the water pollution problem in the water bodies transecting and surrounding the megapolis.wastewater_treatment_2

The Pasig River will undergo massive dredging. Riverbank structures will be relocated. Informal settlers residing along the banks of the river will also be relocated.

Laguna Lake will complete dismantling of illegal fishpens. The carrying capacity study will serve as the basis for rationalizing the use of the lake.

Taal Lake will also be freed of illegal fishpens. A management plan for this lake will be developed on the basis of its carrying capacity study.

More stringent measures will be initiated to rehabilitate the Marilao River. Informal settlers along the periphery will be relocated and land and coastal zoning will be developed.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT

asbu_IEC2Information, Education and Communication (IEC)

The most effective way of ensuring the protection of our environment and sustainable management of our natural resources is to transform our people into stewards of the environment. This should be possible through awareness raising and environmental education.

The DENR is undertaking a massive and comprehensive information campaign using all forms of information media — tri-media, cyberspace, text messaging, etc. The campaign includes the development of documentaries and the use of primetime spots to reach a maximum number of people.

Environmental education in the school system and training programs will also be institutionalized to teach children of school age the value and benefits of environmental protection.

Networking

To build capacities, the DENR networks and maintains partnerships with non-government organizations and civil society. The Department also partners and maintains sound working relationships with the LGUs. Training and capacity-building programs are given to barangay officials and communities to heighten their awareness and knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the environment.

Law Enforcement

The DENR shall fully utilize the green legal army, the environmental ombudsmen and the green courts to increase rates in the detection, arrest, prosecution and conviction of violators of environmental laws, rules and regulations.

MANDATE

Executive Order No. 192 mandates the DENR to be the government agency primarily responsible for the country's environment and natural resources.VISION

We envision a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and clean and healthy environment.MISSION

Our mission is to mobilize our citizenry in protecting, conserving and managing the environment and natural resources.CORE FUNCTION

DENR is tasked to formulate and implement policies, guidelines, rules and regulations relating to environmental management and pollution prevention and control.

We formulate, implement and supervise the government's policies, plans and programs pertaining to the management, conservation, development, use and replenishment of the country's natural resources and biological diversity.

Further, we promulgate and implement rules and regulations governing the exploration, development, extraction, disposition, and use of our forests, lands, minerals, wildlife and other natural resources.MAJOR THRUSTS AND POLICIES

In the coming years, the DENR will strengthen its capacity to provide a better environment for the people..

The Department's thrusts and priorities are anchored on a 5-point agenda:

A substantial amount from in the coming years, the annual budget of DENR is used to support the upland development program using reforestation and agro-forestry as strategies for sustainable forest management, poverty alleviation and hunger mitigation.DELINEATION OF FOREST BOUNDRY

As support to the upland development program, almost 22,000 kilometers of forest boundaries will be delineated starting 2009. This target is way higher than the DENR's 2008 target of 9,000 kilometers. At this accelerated pace, completion of nationwide forest boundary delineation is expected by 2011.LAND DISTRIBUTION AND CADASTRAL SURVEYcadastral_survey_urban2

Patent application is a mode of acquiring a parcel of alienable and disposable public land suitable for agricultural purposes. Cadastral survey is a necessary step towards ownership of a parcel of land. Surveys of municipalities are done to identify and delineate the individual claims of all land applicants; the surveys comprise a basis for the issuance of titles or patents, and for land registration and real property taxation. These will also establish correct disputed boundaries between municipalities and accurately fix land area for purposes of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) computation.

To further advance social equity in the next years, the distribution of 171,236 patents covering 143,350 hectares will be fast-tracked. Also underway is the completion of cadastral surveys in 38 more municipalities, which will bring the total number of municipalities with cadastral surveys to 951, or 59% of all municipalities..

SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mineral Resources DevelopmentZambales_illegal_mines2

Mineral lands administration is geared towards the revitalization of the minerals industry. The DENR ensures that more benefits from the mining sector actually go to the local communities. It manages the exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources through the issuance of mining rights and the conduct of compliance monitoring.

Reforms are instituted towards responsible and sustainable mining. Mining investment opportunities/projects are identified to accelerate the exploration and development of high-potential mining prospects. The 2009 targets are US$1.8 billion in new investments and US$4.5 billion in mineral exports.Abandoned/inactive mines are assessed and clean-up is implemented according to a rehabilitation plan. Also being implemented are remediation measures for areas with mine tailing incidents.mountain2Rehabilitation of the Bacagay mines in Samar will be pursued to showcase mine rehabilitation.Delineation of Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)Expected to be completed is the survey of the remaining 60,000 kilometers of the Philippines' extended continental shelf, for submission to the United Nations.This should give the country sovereignty over its extended continental shelf and open up huge potentials for the exploration and utilization of natural resources in the new frontier.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION

Panhulugan_Cave_rangerjpg2Biodiversity Conservation Program

The protection and conservation of the country's natural resources is a prime responsibility of DENR. It is spearheading the boundary demarcation of 10 legislated protected areas and is currently working on the establishment of a national research center on biodiversity as mandated by the Philippine Wildlife Act. The DENR continues to pursue conservation programs for endangered species and closely monitors wetlands for migratory birds that may be infected with the avian flu virus.

corals_pcra2A regular program of the DENR is the provision of technical assistance to the local government units (LGUs) on the management and protection of mangroves; establishment of marine sanctuaries; and assessment of coastal areas for investment.

Ecotourism Program

The DENR establishes and sustains multi-stakeholder partnerships in the development of areas for sustainable tourism. Community participation is encouraged in the protection and management of natural resources and due respect is accorded to culture, indigenous knowledge, and local customs.

It also assists the LGUs in 33 protected areas in the preparation of business plans for ecotourism.CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION MEASURES

Research and Development

Climate change is the priority subject of the DENR's research and development program. Special focus is given to sea level rise and vulnerability assessment of the country's various ecosystems and wildlife species.Geohazard_map_laguna2

The DENR continues to focus on reducing air pollution in Metro Manila and in the country's other major urban centers, in order to achieve better air quality by 2010. This has assumed greater importance because the elements of air pollution are also the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change.

Solid Waste ManagementBagumbuhayEcoCenter01_2Another source of greenhouse gas is the methane emitted by garbage. To address pollution emanating from solid wastes, the DENR assists LGUs in the conversion of their open dumpsites into sanitary landfills and the establishment of materials recovery facilities.

Water Management

In years ahead, DENR will continue to improve water quality in priority rivers and water bodies. A comprehensive plan will be implemented to effect substantial improvement of water quality in rivers and other water bodies.

Manila Bay will be completely rid of all illegal fish pens, up to Bataan. More pressure will be placed on the water concessionaires in Metro Manila for them to accelerate their respective sewerage programs. These will solve the water pollution problem in the water bodies transecting and surrounding the megapolis.wastewater_treatment_2

The Pasig River will undergo massive dredging. Riverbank structures will be relocated. Informal settlers residing along the banks of the river will also be relocated.

Laguna Lake will complete dismantling of illegal fishpens. The carrying capacity study will serve as the basis for rationalizing the use of the lake.

Taal Lake will also be freed of illegal fishpens. A management plan for this lake will be developed on the basis of its carrying capacity study.

More stringent measures will be initiated to rehabilitate the Marilao River. Informal settlers along the periphery will be relocated and land and coastal zoning will be developed.ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT

asbu_IEC2Information, Education and Communication (IEC)

The most effective way of ensuring the protection of our environment and sustainable management of our natural resources is to transform our people into stewards of the environment. This should be possible through awareness raising and environmental education.

The DENR is undertaking a massive and comprehensive information campaign using all forms of information media — tri-media, cyberspace, text messaging, etc. The campaign includes the development of documentaries and the use of primetime spots to reach a maximum number of people.

Environmental education in the school system and training programs will also be institutionalized to teach children of school age the value and benefits of environmental protection.

Networking

To build capacities, the DENR networks and maintains partnerships with non-government organizations and civil society. The Department also partners and maintains sound working relationships with the LGUs. Training and capacity-building programs are given to barangay officials and communities to heighten their awareness and knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the environment.

Law Enforcement

The DENR shall fully utilize the green legal army, the environmental ombudsmen and the green courts to increase rates in the detection, arrest, prosecution and conviction of violators of environmental laws, rules and regulations.